12 replies to this topic

[Matty Moo]

2000 S40 with 124k, original owner. He's asking $3700, which I think is high but I'm sure I can talk him down.

Anything particular I should look closely at?

This is what they've had done recently.

10/2009: New Thermostat / Fixed Check engine light / Oil Change
7/2009: New Front & Rear Brakes
4/2009: New BF Goodrich Tires (all four)
4/2009: Repalced timing belt and water pump
10/2008: New battery
3/2008: Coolant Flush
7/2007: New Rear Struts
5/2007: New Starter
3/2007: Transmission Flush
11/2006: New Front Struts

I have zero experience with 4 cylinders.

[v4lve]

I've had limited exposure to s40's, but from what i have i'd be looking for a s/v70 in that price range if you're looking to stay in the volvo fam.

[Matty Moo]

It's for my mother in law. Her lease is up, and she wants to go payment free.

I've been looking for 2 months. Most of the 70 series rides that I find within 200 miles are clapped out, been flipped 3 times or they think it's worth thousands over the going rate and won't budge. This is the land of domestic cars, so that's how it works.

[v4lve]

True, I take for granted that I live in Volvo-land East. A well maintained car is a well maintained car - use your discretion. Whatever you've learned in general knowledge with your car can still be applied and the knowledge base on VS will still be here as i'm sure someone more helpful will chime in

Also, the fact it's your mother in law makes it that much of a safer bet since I highly doubt she'll want to pursue any aftermarket parts.

[mmurray8000]

check the rack; if it hasn't been done you'll have to soon. I wish you were closer to NY I am selling a 2000 s40 w/ 82K that is absolutely flawless, only maintained @ volvo of tampa and capital volvo form new and I can't get anyone to even look @ it for $2900. I cant even get wholesalers to give me $2000; so this person's price is absolutely outlandish. I currently have four volvos registered and running and the s40 has by far been the worse. I have loved the car since I got it(w 26K)but I have spent probably three times as much to maintain it as anything else.

[Matty Moo]

Interesting. send me a pm when after your account gets validated.

[PsychoWagon]

2000 s40 are reliable... front bearings go and rear / front springs up here in canada but i think that's mainly due to the salt.

[Ihatespeedbumps]

PsychoWagon, on 21 October 2009 - 11:02 PM, said:

2000 s40 are reliable... front bearings go and rear / front springs up here in canada but i think that's mainly due to the salt.

I think your right. We have very few failures here in the south.

[mmurray8000]

MOTOR MOUNTS! when I did them volvo of tampa told me virtually every 2000 s40 on planet will either need or has had motor mounts done and I can promise you that you will at the very least have to replace all seals/rings in the rack. I just did my speed sensor($380) and had a number of other sensors oxygen/emissions etc. the radiator went @ 70k and this is on a southern climate car that has had factory service its whole life. Whomever is telling you that these cars are reliable obvously HAS NEVER OWNED one. The car has always run wonderfully but has constantly needed something since I've owned it. I have owned seven volvos, many jaguars and have never seen such an atrocity as these cars. -but take my word for it!-look @ what s-40s do at auction; wholesalers wont touch these cars, they sell for volkswagen money, nobody is brave enough to retail these things. this isnt my humble opinion, its a fact. -that said, i have a very nice 84k mile example that could be had for $2700 if someone thinks otherwise

[PsychoWagon]

Quote

I just did my speed sensor($380) and had a number of other sensors oxygen/emissions etc. the radiator went @ 70k and this is on a southern climate car that has had factory service its whole life.

First off, motor mounts don't go all that often on this car. secondly, occasionally a VSS goes, other than that you my friend got a lemon.

[theForgottenone]

mmurray8000, on 23 October 2009 - 01:19 PM, said:

MOTOR MOUNTS! when I did them volvo of tampa told me virtually every 2000 s40 on planet will either need or has had motor mounts done and I can promise you that you will at the very least have to replace all seals/rings in the rack. I just did my speed sensor($380) and had a number of other sensors oxygen/emissions etc. the radiator went @ 70k and this is on a southern climate car that has had factory service its whole life. Whomever is telling you that these cars are reliable obvously HAS NEVER OWNED one. The car has always run wonderfully but has constantly needed something since I've owned it. I have owned seven volvos, many jaguars and have never seen such an atrocity as these cars. -but take my word for it!-look @ what s-40s do at auction; wholesalers wont touch these cars, they sell for volkswagen money, nobody is brave enough to retail these things. this isnt my humble opinion, its a fact. -that said, i have a very nice 84k mile example that could be had for $2700 if someone thinks otherwise

2000 is known for some suspension issue compare to 01 or later.

However, seem like you have a lemon

If you want real reliability feedback, ask s40concepts.net

[PsychoWagon]

glad you took my advice and bought the s40